Adam Oates: Brooks Laich 'on the way to recovery'

Brooks Laich is “healing” after sports hernia surgery earlier this month, Washington Capitals coach Adam Oates said Monday, though there is no timetable for the injured forward to resume skating.

“He’s on the way to recovery right now and as soon as he can recover we’ll get him in,” Oates said.

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Laich reinjured his groin April 4 and had sports hernia surgery soon after. What the surgery does is provide a more firm timeline on when he’ll be able to be back, and Oates said he expects Laich to be able to play in the playoffs.

As for skating, Oates said: “As soon as possible. You know how he is. He’s trying as hard as he can to get there. And we just got to be careful.”

The 29-year-old, who missed the first 28 games of the season with the groin injury, has a reputation for trying to play through anything. That’s not possible with a groin injury, and that was hard for Laich to accept.

“I think it’s probably good for him,” Oates said. “That the Knute Rockne doesn’t work. Your body was letting you down and we finally made a decision and now it’s time to move forward. I think it’s probably clear in his mind now because the unknown is tough.”

Players generally miss four to six weeks after sports hernia surgery. Defenseman Mike Green was back 33 days after his operation last season.